Cardiff Crown Court, Cardiff

Cardiff Crown Court, located in Cathays Park, is a Grade I listed building that serves as a pivotal venue in the Wales Circuit of His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service. This historic courthouse comprises nine traditional courtrooms and one "virtual" courtroom, all overseen by Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff.

Architecturally, the court is a showcase of Edwardian grandeur, with its facade designed to command respect and authority. The building features a solemn composition with unfluted Doric columns arranged in pairs, creating a recessed loggia, while channeled quoins decorate the end bays. Prominent stone turrets with domical tops add to the grandiosity of the structure. The central doorway, aligned with the columns, is accentuated by a richly carved coat of arms. Additionally, the building is flanked by large bronze lampstands, enhancing its temple-like appearance.

The south side of the court contrasts yet complements Cardiff City Hall, reflecting Baroque influences from southern Germany and Austria, as well as neo-Baroque elements reminiscent of Charles Garnier's Paris Opera House. This site features banded plinths, long round-headed windows, and canted projections at the facade ends, creating a dynamic architectural dialogue with the nearby City Hall.

Internally, the court's main hall is particularly notable, divided into three bays and topped with saucer domes supported by pendentives, which are illuminated by lunette windows. This space represents the only interior area of significant architectural interest, according to historian Newman.

Statues and sculptures adorn the exterior, including works by Donald McGill and Paul Raphael Montford, which were added in 1906 to celebrate Welsh contributions to Science, Education, Commerce, and Industry. In front of the building stands a statue of Judge Gwilym Williams, crafted by Welsh artist Goscombe John, further embedding the courthouse within the cultural and historical fabric of Wales.